MEDIA ADVISORY

Fairbanks, Alaska- Howard Cutler has been described by his peers as a "common man with an uncommon touch," but now his name will be a common feature in the lives of more than 200 upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who reside in the student apartments at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This Friday, the university will officially name the Cutler Apartment Complex in honor of UAF's first chancellor beginning at 9:15 a.m. at the Hess Recreation Center.

Cutler was an avid supporter of UAF for four decades. He first came to UAF in 1962 at the request of then-president William Wood, who appointed Cutler vice-president of academic affairs. After serving UAF for four years, Cutler moved to New York City to work as senior vice-president of the Institute of International Education, administering foreign exchange programs including Fulbright grants.

In 1976, Cutler returned to UAF after more than 100 members of the Fairbanks business community signed a petition supporting his appointment as UAF's first chancellor. He assumed responsibility of the Fairbanks campus after a sweeping reorganization of the UA System, overseeing UAF's research and academic programs until 1981. During his tenure, UAF became a sea-grant institution and developed programs in petroleum engineering, computer science and resource management. His era was also marked by an increased number of exchanges with Pacific Rim universities. Cutler died Nov. 17, 1995. Cutler's widow, Enid, will be among the many guests expected at the naming celebration.

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CONTACT: Public Relations Specialist Tiffany Noisworthy at (907) 474-6438.

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